Did you know that veterans can receive acupuncture with no charge through the VA Community Care Program? I’m proud to be an acupuncturist in the VA Community Care Network. This means veterans pay nothing out of pocket — all services are directly billed to the VA.
Acupuncture is a safe, natural, and effective treatment option for both physical and emotional health concerns. Many veterans have found meaningful relief from chronic pain, nerve issues, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) through acupuncture.
What Conditions Can Acupuncture Help Veterans With?
I’ve spent years treating veterans for a wide variety of health concerns. Acupuncture may help with:
Chronic Pain Relief
Pain is one of the most common reasons veterans seek acupuncture. Acupuncture can reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and stimulate the body’s natural healing response — without relying on heavy prescription medications.
Conditions I treat include:
- Back pain
- Knee pain
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
- Hip pain
- Foot pain
- Arthritis pain
- Pain after surgery or procedures
- Pain from old injuries
Nerve Dysfunction & Neuropathy
Acupuncture has also been shown to regulate and restore nerve function. Veterans suffering from:
- Tingling or numbness
- Weak muscles due to nerve issues
- Phantom limb pain
…may find significant improvement with regular acupuncture treatments.
Emotional Health & PTSD Support
Acupuncture isn’t only for physical health — many veterans benefit from acupuncture for emotional wellness as well. It can reduce anxiety, stress, and hypervigilance, while promoting better sleep, mood balance, and overall mental clarity.
Research shows acupuncture can help veterans with:
- PTSD symptoms
- Anxiety and stress
- Difficulty sleeping
- Trouble focusing or concentrating
How to Get Acupuncture Through the VA Community Care Program
The process for getting acupuncture covered by the San Francisco VA is straightforward:
- Ask your VA primary care provider for a referral to Community Care acupuncture.
- Your provider submits a request for authorization. You may request a specific acupuncturist — you’re welcome to request me — but the provider must be in the VA Community Care Network.
- Once approved, the request goes to the Community Care office. An authorization is created and faxed to my office.
- When I receive the authorization, my office will call you to schedule your appointments.
- Veterans pay nothing at the time of service. All billing is handled directly with the VA.
👉 Tip: If you don’t hear back within three weeks, follow up with the VA Community Care office, as fax communications can sometimes be delayed.
Authorizations cover a specific number of visits within a certain time frame. If treatment is effective, I can work with your provider to request additional visits.
Why Choose Acupuncture as a Veteran?
- Drug-free pain management — acupuncture helps reduce or even eliminate the need for long-term medication use.
- Whole-body healing — acupuncture treats root causes, not just symptoms.
- Trusted by veterans — many have already found relief from pain, nerve issues, and PTSD.
- Covered by the VA — with no out-of-pocket cost when authorized through Community Care.
Get Started With VA-Covered Acupuncture in South San Francisco
If you’re a veteran interested in acupuncture through the VA Community Care Program, I’m here to help.
📞 Call me at 650-588-0888 with your questions. Please note that treatment cannot begin until I receive your VA authorization.
Take the first step toward better health — ask your VA provider today about acupuncture with Dorothy Pang, L.Ac., Community Care Provider in South San Francisco.